Wounded soldier's family starts trust

Brendan Marrocco's family wants to give back. His father, Alex, has established the Brendan Marrocco Road to Recovery Trust. The goal is to raise money to cover Brendan's housing needs when the severely injured soldier - who lost both arms and legs as a result of a roadside bomb attack on Easter Sunday 2009 - is discharged from Walter Reed.Long-term, Alex Marrocco plans to evolve the trust into a foundation to also help other injured soldiers and organizations. "Brendan has gotten a lot of help along the way," Alex says. "We want to give back for all we've been given." A board of trustees will oversee the funds and ensure accountability.

The American Legion assisted the soldier in fulfilling his wish to stand and salute his unit when it returned from deployment in November. The American Legion provided financial assistance, and Legion partners assisted with transportation, so that the family could be at Schoffield Barracks in Hawaii for the reunion.Donations may be mailed to:The Brendan Marrocco Road to Recovery TrustP.O. Box 120197Staten Island, NY 10312